County Fair Returns, But Under Cloud

July 22, 1987|By William Presecky.

If there is a feeling of uneasiness among members of the Du Page Fair Association that their annual agricultural theme may be out of place in high- tech Du Page County, they weren`t showing it earlier this week as they prepared the 55-acre grounds in Wheaton.

``We can`t worry about that right now. We`re only looking as far ahead as Wednesday,`` said David Meyer, of Naperville, as he and other members of the volunteer association readied for the 33d Annual Du Page County Fair opening at 10 a.m. Wednesday and continuing through Sunday.

In addition to livestock judging, 4-H competitions and the usual carnival, this year`s fair also will feature a tractor-pull, horse show, livestock judging and a demolition derby.

``This fair is something the county will always have in one way or another,`` Meyer said.

According to Meyer, the apparent interest that some county officials have in redeveloping the fairgrounds has strengthened the association`s determination to maintain its presence.

County Board Chairman Jack Knuepfer said Tuesday that while he supported the association`s efforts to hold an annual fair, ``community demands`` for more urban uses of the fairgrounds may soon dictate the removal of barns and livestock pens.

Knuepfer said a subcommittee he created to study future potential uses for the fairgrounds and the county government complex to the west should have a proposed plan for the publicly owned area within a year. Knuepfer began a campaign in 1985 to update the fairgrounds.

Knuepfer said he also envisioned the possible construction of a cultural center or band shell on the grounds.

Portions of the fairgrounds are almost certain to be used for a proposed jail expansion and a parking garage that the county contemplates building in conjunction with its proposed new courthouse.

The fair association is a private, volunteer organization that operates the county fairgrounds on a long-term lease with the county. It was stripped of its independent control of the grounds last November after a bitter fight with the county board.

Association officials claim they already have made some accommodations to Du Page`s rapid growth and shift from agriculture to technological industries. The shift of 4-H Clubs over the years from an emphasis on agricultural-based exhibits to those involving science or high technology is an example, they claim.

To others, an agricultural fair is still important.

``To take this away would be disaster,`` said Audrey Rowe, a co-manager of the fair. ``We need this if only because we`re becoming so urban. We`re so far removed from the country right now that people need to see this. They want to see this.``